50 States of Speeding: Know the Law in Every State

What you need to know about speeding laws across America.

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Everyone, with the exception of the Buick driver parked in the left lane, exceeds the speed limit once in a while. You generally know how much law-breaking you can get away with where you live—a few over on the highway is flow-of-traffic territory, and the constabulary looks the other way. One of those unwritten rules.

But it's important to be aware of the rules that are written, especially when leaving your local comfort zone. For instance, did you know that North Dakota will pull your license for a week and issue a fine for 36 mph or more over the limit? Or that most states have open reckless driving laws that can lead to days or even months of jail time? Reckless driving is generally defined as willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property, which can be applied to speeding big time over the limit.

We've compiled each state's maximum highway speed, reckless driving threshold, and mandatory and maximum penalties for reckless driving, as well as any excessive speed laws and their penalties. (Bonus: Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia included at no extra charge!) There's also an image of each state's patrol-car livery, so you know what to watch for when in unfamiliar territory. We offer this information not as a guide of where to speed and where not to, but instead as a reminder that ludicrous speed can get you in serious trouble. So be safe out there, America.

Notes: All penalties listed are for the first offense. (We're thinking that should be enough of a deterrent. If you go for two, we really can't help you.) And we don't get into the intricacies of points systems, which can lead to higher fines and longer license suspensions.